A bar is its own distinct ecosystem. Sometimes the elements exist in harmony, like a government-protected wilderness area, all bubbling springs and bountiful coastlines. No one leaves angry, and as the night progresses, the din gets progressively louder, the music gets better and there's a feeling that anything can happen. Other nights, some groups exert themselves too much and other groups become endangered — the girl's night out being forcibly crashed by a group of too-drunk finance guys on the prowl, the couple having a fight sucking the good energy out of a supposed-to-have-been-fun group date.

Because there's alcohol involved, and people become both more open and more volatile under the influence of alcohol, barroom social dynamics are particularly sensitive and ever-changing.

Everyone wants to be the bar star — the room's center of gravity, the guy all the women are noticing out of the corners of their eyes, gesturing to their friends about. How do you position yourself to be that guy? Two qualities will put you well on your way: Not getting too wasted too early, and having a few party tricks at the ready.

Have your drinking game plan

The minute you cross the line and get too drunk, your charisma is going to start tanking, and your party-trick skills will be obliterated. Buy rounds, do a shot or two, but once the clock strikes midnight, start knocking back glasses of water in between drinks. While your buddies start slurring their words, you'll still be in a position to keep up a conversation with women, among other things.

Never underestimate an old-fashioned bar trick

You won't need any props (besides those you'd find in a bar, of course), but you will appear to be blessed with magical powers, extraordinary intellect and even the ability to read minds.

The following handful of tricks are time-tested, surefire ways to win drinks, amuse friends and get a few smiles from nearby women.

The Matchstick TrickLike any good bar bet, this one starts off sounding impossible: Bet that you can toss a paper match into the air and make it land on its side. Note: This won't work with wooden matches.

Invite your audience to try it first. Unless they know the trick, they'll never be able to make it work.

When they've finished embarrassing themselves, take over and nail it on the first try. Of course there's a secret: You bend the match slightly.